Be an Advocate

Caregiver Advocate

Join family caregivers across Idaho as we work to raise awareness of this important issue. Caregiving is the universal occupation and very few of us will slide through life without knowing the joys, heartache, exhaustion and exhilaration of caring for a loved one.  Here are a few things you can do:

      • Contact your state representative and let them know that caregiving is important to you.  Encourage legislators to introduce bills and legislation on behalf of family caregivers.  Not sure who your legislator is?  Click here to find out, Who is my legislator?
      • Join the Idaho Caregiver Alliance by attending a quarterly meeting or reaching out to a member.
      • Donate to the Idaho Caregiver Alliance

Parent and/or Adult Self-advocate

You’re already an advocate, but have you ever wondered what it would be like to have a little more policy savvy? The Idaho Partners in Policymaking hosts a leadership development program for adults with developmental disabilities and parents of children with disabilities.

If you are interested in this wonderful opportunity please click on the following link to learn more and access the application, ICDD.

“The goal of Partners is to develop partnerships between people who need and use services and those who make policy and law. Participants, after learning about policymaking and legislative processes at the local, state and national levels are given opportunities to meet and talk to state and national leaders in the field of disabilities. Participants receive information from experts about organizations, opportunities, and the possibilities of people with developmental disabilities living meaningful lives. The program educates participants about current issues and state-of-the-art approaches.” (Idaho Partners in Policymaking, 2018)

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The Center on Disabilities and Human Development is looking for motivated people who want to work toward improving the lives of Idahoans with disabilities. If you are a person with a developmental or other disability, a family member or guardian of a person with a disability, then please join our team! Come serve on the Community Advisory Committee (CAC) for the Center on Disabilities and Human Development (CDHD)– Idaho’s University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities. 

The Community Advisory Committee (CAC) is comprised of Idahoans with disabilities, family members, and professionals. The CAC guides CDHD leaders by providing insight into the opportunities and challenges facing people with disabilities and their families on national, state, & local levels. To learn more click here CAC Info.

Employed Family Caregiver/Employer Advocate

Caregiving ranges from childcare to eldercare, touches individuals from all demographics and levels of seniority, and has increased the economic and emotional toll of the employee and employer. This includes employees and employers of both small and large businesses. Part of creating a careing culture is creating awareness around caregiving and the impacts it has on the employed family caregiver and the employer.

Ways to create awareness:

>Contact your state representative and let them know that caregiving is important to you, your employees, and to your organization.  Encourage legislators to introduce bills and legislation on behalf of the employed family caregiver.  Not sure who your legislator is?  Click here to find out, Who is my legislator?

>Join the Idaho Caregiver Alliance by attending a quarterly meeting or reaching out to a member.

>Donate to the Idaho Caregiver Alliance.